Salem — The City Council on Dec. 4 received the final report of the Salem City Seal Task Force and voted to refer the issue to the Committee of the Whole for a fuller public-engagement process next year.

Public comment and council debate were extensive. Laura Tawantat and other speakers said community members — particularly Asian and Indigenous residents — felt the task force process did not sufficiently involve them and that online harassment of task-force members had chilled participation. Anna Nuncio of the Latino Leadership Coalition urged changing the city seal, citing a history of trade with Sumatra and the seal’s resemblance, in some reproductions, to racist caricatures.

On the floor, Councilor Brzezinski (who introduced the matter) and others stressed that process matters: several councilors urged third-party facilitation, a comprehensive inventory of where the seal is used, and broader, staged public engagement. Councilor Marcello and others said the task force report raised important questions but lacked sufficient outreach and documentation to move straight to a change in ordinance.

After extended debate the council voted to receive the task force report and to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole in 2026; the council also suspended Rule 29b so the issue can be carried forward into the next term. Members emphasized the next steps should include an inventory of usages, facilitated community conversations, and careful consideration of whether a new seal, a dual mark (seal versus logo) or other alternatives best serve the city.

What’s next: Referral means the Committee of the Whole will schedule detailed public engagement in 2026 and consider ordinance language if the council chooses to pursue a change. Several councilors explicitly urged the use of outside moderators and a phased process to ensure meaningful engagement and accessible documentation.

Sources: Public testimony and council deliberations recorded Dec. 4.